Outline

Introduction

Within an aging population the incidence of spinal canal stenosis (SCS) is rising. Following failed conservative treatment, operative decompression is still gold standard. The majority of patients with SCS also show an extensive co-morbidity, therefore requiring surgery as minimal invasive as possible allowing quick mobilisation and regaining of daily life activity. Diagnosis of SCS is based on the patients history and well established methods (plain X-ray, myelography, MRI-scan). Some stenosis only unveils using functional myelography. Not much is know about (laminectomy and hemilaminectomy). The latest development are posterior dynamic stabilising devices (X-StopÃ¢ or DIAMÃ¢). The aim of this study has been to enlighten functional lumbar SCS as a neglecte this rare form of SCS and its adequate treatment. Within the last decade multiple minimal invasive decompression techniques evolved in addition to well-established extensive surgery d condition which requires special surgical intervention after failed conservative treatment. Therefore, preliminary results of a new minimal invasive technique for functional spinal canal stenosis using posterior dynamic stabilisers will be presented.

Patients, Material and Method

12 patients aged 40 to 80 years suffering from functional lumbar spinal canal stenosis diagnosed by clinical and radiographic criteria were included into this retrospective study. As conservative treatment failed in all patients, surgery was performed by either of the two authors using posterior dynamic stabilisers. Pre- and postoperative outcome measures according to Oswestry Disability Index and visual analogue scale (VAS) as well as walking capacity were analysed. Clinical evaluation was continued 6 and 12 months, postoperatively.

Results

Functional spinal canal stenosis is a rare condition of lumbar spinal stenosis. Criteria for operative strategies will be presented. As an example of a such new minimal invasive technique patients treated with posterior dynamic stabilisers will be followed up at least 3 months postoperatively. Pre- and postoperative clinical and radiographic results will be presented.